Okay, let's break down these two Xiaomi devices, the 12 Pro and the Redmi Note 12S, and see what they offer in the real world. We'll cut through the jargon and focus on what matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | The 12 Pro is slightly taller, but both have similar width and thickness. |
| Weight | 204g | 176g | The Note 12S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.43" | The 12 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The 12 Pro has a much sharper display, with more detail and clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 409 | The 12 Pro’s screen will look noticeably crisper, especially with small text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 12 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | The 12 Pro is significantly better in bright sunlight, with higher visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | The 12 Pro has a much more powerful processor for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 412,400 | The 12 Pro offers dramatically faster performance, especially in gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The 12 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, crucial for high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" | The Note 12S has a higher megapixel count, while the 12 Pro has larger sensor and pixel size for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 16MP | The 12 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | 8MP, f/2.2 | The 12 Pro’s wide-angle shots are likely to be much more detailed. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | N/A | The 12 Pro offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Note 12S offers a dedicated macro lens, while the 12 Pro doesn't |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The 12 Pro is capable of much higher-quality and more versatile video recording. |
| DxoMark | 129 (overall), 136 (photo), 125(video) | N/A | The 12 Pro has been tested and scored well in DxoMark tests. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The Note 12S has a slightly larger battery which may offer longer endurance. |
| Charging | 120W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The 12 Pro has dramatically faster charging, refilling the battery in a fraction of time. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W fast, 10W reverse | Not applicable | The 12 Pro supports wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12S comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The 12 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC | 5.2, EDR, HID | Both have Bluetooth 5.2 LE with advanced audio codec support in the 12 Pro. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB | 64GB / 128 GB / 256 GB | Both go up to 256 GB; Note 12S has 64GB option |
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB | The 12 Pro offers more RAM options, better for demanding multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio | The 12 Pro provides a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support and two microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic | side-mounted | The side-mounted fingerprint scanner of Note 12S is faster and more responsive |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The 12 Pro offers superior scratch and drop protection on its screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The 12 Pro includes additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro
- Strengths:
- Display: Superior sharpness, brightness, and smoothness with a higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1500 nits brightness.
- Performance: Top-tier performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which is leagues ahead of the Helio G96.
- Camera System: Versatile camera setup with higher quality main, ultrawide and front cameras. Higher quality video capabilities up to 8K with very complete camera features set.
- Charging: Extremely fast 120W wired charging, plus fast wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Audio: More immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos, hi-res audio and 2 microphones.
- Connectivity: Latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds.
- Build Quality: Superior Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Sensors: Additional environmental sensors for advanced capabilities and usage.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Best-in-class processing power, making it ideal for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Much faster charging, drastically reducing downtime.
- Enhanced display and camera features for premium visual and photography experiences.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Strengths:
- Battery: Slightly larger battery may lead to a little longer battery life on a full charge.
- Camera: Higher megapixel count in the main camera.
- Operating System: Ships with a newer version of Android out of the box
- Price: Likely more affordable than the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Weight: Lighter and more comfortable for long usage
- Competitive Advantages:
- Solid performance for everyday tasks at a more budget-friendly price.
- Good battery life for users who need to stay connected all day.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Power users, gamers, photographers, and anyone who wants the best performance and display available.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intense mobile games at high settings.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos on the go.
- Demanding productivity tasks, like editing documents and multitasking with multiple apps.
- Content creators that need versatility for video and photo capturing.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Ideal for: Users who need a reliable phone for everyday use, prioritize battery life, and have a smaller budget.
- Use Cases:
- Casual social media browsing and media consumption.
- Day-to-day communication and productivity apps.
- Users that prefer a lighter phone.
- Snapping photos and videos to share on social media.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value performance? If you're a gamer or power user, the 12 Pro is a no-brainer. For typical daily use, the Note 12S is adequate.
- How important are camera and video features? If you need professional-level quality, the 12 Pro's superior capabilities are crucial. The Note 12S is more basic, but still gets the job done.
- What's your budget? If you can afford the premium, the 12 Pro is a better overall experience. The Note 12S provides great value for a lower price point.
Scenario Recommendations:
- If you're a heavy gamer or content creator: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its top-tier performance, superior camera, and smoother display.
- If you need a solid phone for daily use and value a lighter design and longer battery life: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S, it is likely more budget-friendly.
- If you're on a budget but want the best performance possible: Consider the 12 Pro if you can stretch your budget. If not, the Note 12S will be a solid performer.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Redmi Note 12S is a decent phone, the 12 Pro's superior display, cutting-edge performance, much more robust camera system, and lightning-fast charging are compelling enough to justify the likely higher price. As someone who values a top-tier, no-compromise experience, the 12 Pro caters to my needs perfectly, especially when it comes to gaming, media consumption, and the ability to capture high-quality content on the go. The speed, smoothness, and advanced camera capabilities all make it a device that keeps up with my demands.
